The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (the Hong Kong Convention) has received sufficient ratification to enact its entry into force, and it will enter into force on 26 June 2025.
Under the Hong Kong Convention, a “ship” is defined as “a vessel of any type whatsoever operating or having operated in the marine environment and includes submersibles, floating craft, floating platforms, self-elevating platforms, Floating Storage Units (FSUs), and Floating Production Storage and Offloading Units (FPSOs), including a vessel stripped of equipment or being towed”. Upon entry into force, this convention will become applicable to offshore vessels registered with a signatory country or operating under the authority of a signatory country. Therefore, owners and operators should be mindful of this new requirement for certification as it related to their current flag registration and potential operating areas.
This Regulatory News provides guidance on the Hong Kong Convention, highlighting the requirements for new ships and existing ships with a gross tonnage (GT) of 500 or more. According to the convention, these ships must obtain a valid International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) within 5 years of the convention's entry into force or before being sent for recycling, whichever comes first.
See the 2023 Guidelines for the Development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials, reporting requirements, compliance actions and potential enforcement measures for ship operators (IMO Resolution MEPC.378 (80)).